Job Details

Job Summary

The Staff Research Associate II (SRA II) will be a member of a cooperative research effort in the laboratory at UCSF China Basin to develop and validate novel genomic assays for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, analyze host responses by RNA‑Seq to discriminate between infectious and non‑infectious causes of illness, and use metagenomic next‑generation sequencing for pathogen discovery.

The SRA II will work closely with senior postdoctoral fellows and researchers in the laboratory to validate target probe enrichment platforms to diagnose bloodborne infections, develop and benchmark protocols for sequencing library preparation on the pocket‑size MinION nanopore sequencer (e.g., for sequencing aboard the International Space Station), and use metagenomic sequencing of patient cohorts to discover new viruses and pathogens in humans and in tick samples.

This is a fully funded one‑year position with likely continuation as funding permits. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. The salary range for this position is $28.04 – $45.09 hourly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate novel genomic assays for diagnosing infectious diseases.
• Analyze host responses by RNA‑Seq to discriminate between infectious and non‑infectious causes of illness.
• Use metagenomic next‑generation sequencing for pathogen discovery.
• Validate target probe enrichment platforms to diagnose bloodborne infections.
• Develop and benchmark protocols for sequencing library preparation on the MinION nanopore sequencer.
• Perform metagenomic sequencing of patient cohorts and tick samples to discover new viruses and pathogens.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in biology, chemistry, or a related natural science, including significant laboratory coursework in biology, biochemistry, and one or more years of recent directly related work experience utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with DNA/RNA in molecular biology, including cloning, PCR, and nucleic acid extraction.
• Experience in genomics – deep sequencing and/or microarrays.
• Experience in a genomics‑related laboratory.
• Willingness to work with biohazardous material at Biosafety Level 2.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills and knowledge in the use of BioRobots.
• Computational background in genomics and bioinformatics.
• Skills and knowledge in diagnostic assay development.
• Background in computational biology.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix.

Department Description

Clinical Laboratories at UCSF Medical Center perform diagnostic or laboratory tests for patients in our hospitals and clinics as well as for our researchers. These tests are performed in the areas of chemistry, hematology or blood, immunology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, toxicology, and transfusion medicine. Laboratories are located at our China Basin, Mount Zion and Parnassus campuses. These labs perform more than 4.2 million tests a year.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate‑level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10‑campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Location

San Francisco, CA – Mission Bay (SF), Fully On‑Site, 8‑hour day shift (Monday‑Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm).